Name: How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime); Lime zest from 1 lime; 1 tsp EACH chili powder, brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder; 1-4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat); 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 medium avocados ripe but firm (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (OR 2 Roma tomatoes seeded, chopped); fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn; 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 jalapeno pepper (diced, seeds separated); 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro; 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder); 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin, salt; 1/8 tsp pepper (or more to taste)

Jump to Recipe

This vibrant recipe for How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken is the key to a dinnertime celebration on your plate. Picture juicy, boldly seasoned chicken crowned with a zesty, colorful avocado-corn salsa—the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a delicious fiesta. Whether you grill it outdoors or sizzle it on the stove, this easy recipe is bursting with lively flavors and a show-stopping presentation that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these fresh, simple ingredients is half the fun! Each one matters, adding bold flavor, vivid color, or irresistible texture to How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken. Here’s why you’ll love them in your kitchen:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and pounded to an even thickness, they cook up super juicy and tender every single time.
Olive oil: The secret to keeping the chicken moist and to help all those spices cling beautifully.
Lime juice & zest: These punchy citrus elements brighten the marinade and salsa, and give everything that unmistakable tang.
Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Brown sugar: Balances out the spices with just a hint of sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken’s exterior.
Salt & pepper: Essential for enhancing all the bold, fresh flavors in this dish.
Ground cumin: That earthy backbone common to the best grilled chicken rubs.
Smoked paprika: Delivers smokiness that echoes traditional grilled flavors, even if you use a skillet.
Onion & garlic powder: For savory depth and umami in the marinade and salsa.
Chipotle chili powder (optional): If you thrive on heat, this smoky, spicy kick is just the thing!
Avocados: Ripe but firm avocados bring creamy contrast to the bold chicken and fresh salsa.
Cherry or Roma tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with summery flavor—use whichever you prefer.
Fresh corn: Cut straight from the cob, corn adds juicy pops of sweetness and color.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a little crunch and a ton of flavor.
Red bell pepper: Brings even more color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Jalapeño: Diced for a subtle hint of heat—you can adjust the seeds to dial the spice up or down.
Cilantro: This herb brightens the salsa and ties all those Mexican-inspired flavors together.
Garlic: Freshly minced (or a sprinkle of garlic powder) works magic in the salsa.
Extra cumin, salt, and pepper: For balancing and seasoning the salsa perfectly.

How to Make How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Mix together olive oil, lime juice and zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper in a small bowl. This flavorful rub is not just any old spice blend—it’s the heart of How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken! Slather it all over your pounded chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated. If you have time, let that chicken rest and marinate for 30 minutes at room temp, or up to 8 hours in the fridge. The longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Corn Salsa

While the chicken marinates, toss together tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes—this lets the flavors really meld. Wait to add the avocados just before serving, so they stay perfectly creamy and fresh.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken (Stovetop)

If your chicken is coming out of the fridge, give it a little time to warm up at room temperature. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high, then swirl in a touch of oil. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium. Give it another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and a thermometer reads 165°F. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing—it’s worth it!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Grill)

If you’re a grill enthusiast, preheat the barbecue to 375-450°F and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s charred on the outside and perfectly moist inside. Again, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing. Either way—stovetop or grill—you’re in for juicy results.

Step 5: Finish the Salsa and Serve

Just before serving, gently fold the diced avocados into your chilled salsa. Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or jalapeño seeds if you crave more heat. Pile that gorgeous salsa over your sliced chicken, give everything an extra squeeze of lime, and marvel at the rainbow on your plate. That’s how to make How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken—colorful, fresh, and unforgettable!

How to Serve How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken

Garnishes

Take your How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken to the next level with a crown of fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and maybe a sprinkle of crumbly queso fresco. These little touches are like confetti—fun, festive, and bursting with flavor!

Side Dishes

This dish begs for classic sides! Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, warm corn tortillas, or a pile of black beans. Even a crunchy slaw or tortilla chips work perfectly to scoop up all that creamy, tangy salsa goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop at the usual dinner plate. Turn How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken into tacos, fill burritos, top a hearty salad, or tuck it inside a quesadilla. The leftovers are perfect for meal prepping—simply slice, chill, and multi-task your way through lunches all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover chicken and salsa into separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the salsa tasting fresh and the chicken juicy, so your next meal is just as irresistible as round one.

Freezing

Chicken freezes beautifully! Place cooked, cooled chicken in a freezer bag (without the salsa), squeeze out air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The salsa is best when made fresh and enjoyed within a couple of days.

Reheating

Rewarm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in short bursts until it’s hot. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry. Always add your salsa after reheating, to keep it cool and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful—just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer, especially if bone-in. The marinade and salsa pair beautifully with either cut.

Is it possible to make How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken without a grill?

Yes, you can easily cook this dish on a stovetop grill pan or regular skillet. The spice rub and a good sear mimic grilled flavor, so don’t worry if you’re staying indoors!

What’s the best way to ripen avocados quickly?

If your avocados aren’t quite ripe, pop them in a paper bag with a banana or apple and leave them at room temperature for a day or two. The fruit releases ethylene gas, which encourages faster ripening.

Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

You can! Prep everything but the avocados, then chill. Add the avocados just before serving so the salsa stays fresh and vibrant—and doesn’t turn mushy.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable method is to use an instant-read thermometer—look for 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dinnertime upgrade, don’t wait to try How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken. It’s bold, zingy, and practically guaranteed to spark some smiles at your table. Whip it up, make it your own, and get ready to fall in love with a new go-to recipe for any night of the week!

How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Fiesta Lime Chicken is a flavorful and vibrant dish that features tender grilled chicken seasoned with zesty lime and spices, served with a refreshing Avocado Salsa. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a delicious and healthy meal.

Instructions

Fiesta Lime Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk chicken rub ingredients together and rub evenly all over chicken breasts. Allow chicken to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 8 hours. Prepare Avocado Salsa during this time.
Stovetop Directions: Cook chicken in a grill pan or skillet until browned and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
Grilling Directions: Grill chicken until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
Avocado Salsa: Combine all ingredients except avocados in a bowl. Chill, then fold in avocados before serving.